Local Kids Learn Hoops Skills at Clinic at Spring Valley Gym

About 35 local kids ages 6-14 participated in a youth basketball clinic at the Spring Valley Gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 15, learning basketball skills and having a ball.

The clinic was a joint partnership between the County of San Diego Parks and Rec Department and S.M.I.L.E (Sports Making an Impact on Lives Everyday), a group that advocates the importance of youth sports.

The counselors for the clinic were San Diego State students in the Recreation and Sports Management department. The clinic served as part of a class project for them.

The kids were taught the basics of basketball skills, from shooting, ball-handling, and passing to defense and footwork. They were given prizes and T-shirts as well.

The youth clinic serves as a precursor to the Youth Basketball League, which is being played at the gymnasium. The league features teams from the following age groups: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14. All of the teams are coed and the games are on Saturdays.

The league season runs from Jan. 7 to Feb. 24, and there is a mandatory Skills Assessment Day on Dec. 10, which will help determine placement on a team.

Cost of the league is $60 per participant. For more information, contact Kelly Hahs at kelly.hahs@sdcounty.ca.gov or (619) 667-6833.